Governor Louis Lobong Lojore of Eastern Equatoria State has taken decisive action by issuing an executive order for the recruitment of 300 police officers who will be strategically stationed along the borders with neighbouring countries. Eastern Equatoria State, one of the largest states, shares borders with countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
The move comes in response to the pressing need to enhance security along these borders, which has been marred by conflicts arising from issues like cattle rustling and encroachment by neighbouring countries.
“Executive Order Number 2/2023 has been issued to establish two ad hoc committees for Greater Kapoeta and Torit, tasked with recruiting personnel for the Border Police Unit in Eastern Equatoria State. This directive is officially titled the ‘Gubernatorial Executive Order for the Formation of Two Ad Hoc Committees for Greater Kapoeta and Torit for the Recruitment of Border Police Unit in Eastern Equatoria State’ and will be effective from the date of its signing,” states the order.
The statement added, “In response to the commissioner of police’s request for the recruitment and training of 300 young men and women from Eastern Equatoria State to serve in the Border Police Unit, I have allocated these individuals to eight counties. The allocation considers a larger number in counties where deployment is planned, specifically Magwi, Ikotos, and Kapoeta East.”
As outlined in the order obtained by Radio Tamazuj, the committees’ composition is detailed. For the Greater Torit committee, Hon. German Charles Ojok serves as chairperson, with the Minister of Local Government as deputy chairperson, the Minister of Information as secretary, and all county commissioners of Greater Torit. Meanwhile, Hon. Charles Lokonoi chairs the Greater Kapoeta committee, with the Minister of Health as deputy chairperson, the chairperson of the Peace Commission and Conflict Resolution as secretary, and all county commissioners of Greater Kapoeta.
The committees are tasked with mobilizing, registering, and screening eligible candidates for the Border Police Unit recruitment. They are also responsible for ensuring that all payams and bomas are included in the process, with the goal of promptly submitting the recruitment list to the governor.
However, the order does not specify a time limit for the mobilization of the proposed Border Police Unit.
The Commissioner of Police in Eastern Equatoria State, Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka, has confirmed the executive order, emphasizing that it will enhance security along the border.
“We are facing a manpower shortage in Eastern Equatoria State, particularly within the police force. Additionally, Eastern Equatoria is one of the largest states, sharing borders with three neighbouring countries and adjacent states such as Jonglei and Central Equatoria. Moreover, the state is endowed with rich economic resources, leading to high economic activities. All of these factors make the region susceptible to security risks, necessitating the protection of borders and the entire state. This requires a significant increase in the number of police officers, strategically deployed to ensure a widespread police presence,” stated Maj. Gen. Enoka.
He further explained, “Considering the upcoming elections in 2024, with potentially numerous polling centers requiring substantial security forces, we are proactively preparing for this scenario. Therefore, we are currently requesting additional border police to safeguard our borders. There have been attempts by some neighbouring countries to encroach into our country and state, making it imperative for us to bolster our security measures.”
Charles Onen Lokwaruk, Chairperson of the Civil Society Network for Eastern Equatoria State, expressed approval of the initiative, stating, “We welcome this positive step aimed at reinstating stability within the state and along the border. We extend our gratitude to the government and are willing to offer support as needed to ensure the success of endeavours aimed at restoring peace and security. Additionally, we urge our communities to adhere to the law and contribute to the overall efforts for maintaining order.”